Ottawa International Writers FestivalJoseph Boyden, Terry Fallis, and Anakana Schofield — these are some of the most exciting voices in Canadian literature today. And they’re just three among dozens that are speaking at the Fall 2015 Ottawa International Writers Festival, which kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and continues until Wednesday, Oct. 28. The festival covers a variety of topics, such as indigenous stories, the impact of war, and the consequences of freedom. Tickets start at $15. See website for info, full schedule, and venues.writersfestival.org.

Ode to the Attempt & The Dog Days are Over.Flemish choreographer Jan Martens brings two energetic performances to the National Arts Centre from Thursday, October 22 to 24. Coming from a generation that spends too much time on computers and smartphones, Martens opens the program with a self-portrait in the form of a collage based on his everyday life. Called ODE TO THE ATTEMPT, this work on the theme of individualism is a new solo show that challenges his creative process and his way of working and living. (Note – contains nudity). Afterwards, he will push the human body to the limit in The DOG DAYS ARE OVER, a choreographic work that has a group of eight dancers jumping and bouncing around the stage for 70 minutes. Check out the video for his very first piece I Can Ride a Horse Whilst Juggling So Marry Me, performed in 2010, for an idea of Martens work. Human are the focal point and he takes a special interest in the beauty of the “incomplete” human body in its quest for perfection. Tickets are $31 for adults and $17.50 for students.National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., 613- 947-7000, nac-cna.ca.

Ottawa LGBT Film FestivalOttawa’s October film festival season continues with Inside Out’s Ottawa LGBT Film Festival, a celebration of cinema made for, by, and about the LGBT community. The festival begins on Thursday, Oct. 22 with an opening reception, followed by a screening of The Girl King — it’s a fictionalized biography of Queen Kristina of Sweden, who struggled to balance her political life with her feelings for her lady-in-waiting, the “beautiful countess” Ebba Sparre. The festival continues until Sunday, Oct. 25. Tickets start at $10. See website for details.ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., 613-789-3456, insideout.ca.

EcoEquitable boutique on McArthur

EcoEquitable in New EdinburghEcoEquitable is a social enterprise in Ottawa that empowers immigrant and under-employed women through sewing. On Saturday, Oct. 23 they are partnering with Avenai and local shops in New Edinburgh to raise money for their foundation. You can visit Quelque Chose Pâtisserie for their famous macarons and Monson Deluxe Cleaners if you need dry-cleaning or alterations – a portion of these transactions will go to EcoEquitable. Who can say no to clean clothes and macarons ? You can also donate online here (under the drop down menu, choose “Oct. 23 Spend Locally Campaign” fund). For all amounts over $25 you will receive a tax receipt. Avenai will be matching all donations made. You can also visit their boutique which sells items upcycled from recycled materials.EcoEquitable, 404 McArthur, Suite 200, ecoequitable.ca.

Debra DiGiovanni and Darcy MichaelThey may be great pals, but only time will tell whether Debra DiGiovanni and Darcy Michael will still be on speaking terms by the end of their Best Friends (For Now?!) Tour. Both comedians have graced television screens across North America — DiGiovanni on Last Comic Standing and Video on Trial, Michael on CTV’s Spun Out — and on Saturday, Oct. 24 they hit the stage together for a rare dual show. Tickets are $30. See website for more info.Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., 613-233-8948, ottawalittletheatre.com.

Autopilot performing at the Rainbow on Sunday. Photo by George Wingham

Autopilot
On Sunday, Oct. 25, pop down to the Rainbow Bistro — one of Ottawa’s oldest and most esteemed music venues — to see Saskatoon alternative rock band Autopilot. The group, now touring their latest album, Desert Dreams, are known for their infectious pop hooks and progressive style. Admission is $5 at the door.Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St., 613-241-5123, therainbow.ca.

And don’t miss…

Hintonburg Happening Silent Auction at the Carleton Tavern Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to raise funds for next year’s festival and start stocking up on prezzies for the holidays! See Facebook for details.